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Rolex Datejust Rare Lapis Pyramid Dial Diamond Set 69138
Rolex Datejust Rare Lapis Pyramid Dial Diamond Set 69138

Rolex Datejust Rare Lapis Pyramid Dial Diamond Set 69138

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 26mm yellow gold Datejust by Rolex. Features an exceptionally rare lapis pyramid dial with

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rolex Day-Date NOS Rare Oxblood Stella Dial 18038
Rolex Day-Date NOS Rare Oxblood Stella Dial 18038

Rolex Day-Date NOS Rare Oxblood Stella Dial 18038

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare yellow gold Day-Date by Rolex. Featuring the highly sought out and collectable oxblood

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802
1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802

1971 Rolex Day Date Silver Wide Boy Dial Ref. 1802

By Rolex

Located in Dubai, AE

The elusive White Gold 1802 When it comes to collectible and rare Vintage Rolex watches, the first

Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial
Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial

Rolex Stainless Steel O.P Date with Rare Vignette Dial

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920
Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920

Rolex. A Rare Gold and Enamel Keyless Pocket Watch C1920

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex. A Rare 18ct Yellow Gold and Enamel Keyless Lever Pocket Watch Retailed By The Alex Clarke

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Shock Resisting 50 Metres Dial 6484
Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Shock Resisting 50 Metres Dial 6484

Rolex Rare Vintage Oyster Shock Resisting 50 Metres Dial 6484

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A rare vintage stainless steel Rolex Oyster Shock Resisting Ref 6484 manual wind movement

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946
Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946

Rolex Steel Oyster with Rare Original Dial from 1946

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster / Reference 4365 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel circa, 1964
Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel circa, 1964

Rolex Two Tone Datejust with Rare Polished Bezel circa, 1964

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1600 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, Stainless Steel

FOUR IMPORTANT & RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS ARMCHAIRs
FOUR IMPORTANT & RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS ARMCHAIRs

FOUR IMPORTANT & RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS ARMCHAIRs

By Rolex

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and

Category

20th Century European Art Deco Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch
Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch

Rolex Rare 1942 Bubble Back Ladies Steel Automatic Wristwatch

By Rolex

Located in Chicago, IL

Circa 1942 Rolex Ladies Reference 3869 Bubble Back Wrist Watch, 24 M.M. Stainless Steel 2 Piece

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel

1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch
1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch

1937 Rolex Ref 3647 Very Rare Antique Manual Wind Watch

By Rolex

Located in Houston, TX

Extremely Rare 1930s Rolex Precision Model 3647 Manual Wind Square Watch This late 1930s Rolex

Category

Vintage 1930s Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974
Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974

Rolex Cellini 18K White Gold With Rare Blue Vignette Dial 1974

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Vintage Rolex Cellini 18k White Gold Rare Blue Vignette Dial, Manual Wind, Made in Switzerland c

Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920
Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920

Rolex Rare Prince Yellow Gold Dress Pocket Watch 8753 C1920

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

Rolex Prince. A very rare 38mm 18ct yellow gold dress pocket watch with a specially made chain by

Category

20th Century Swiss Pocket Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage
Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage

Rare Art Deco 1938 Rolex Prince 9K Solid Gold Watch Vintage

By Rolex

Located in Scotts Valley, CA

Details: Beautiful Art Deco period solid gold Rolex Prince watch from 1938. The Prince style watch

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

movement LIFETIME SERVICE COMMITMENT This classic design by the iconic house of Rolex has a rare and

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

TWO RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS WATCHMAKERS SWIVEL STOOLs
TWO RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS WATCHMAKERS SWIVEL STOOLs

TWO RARE ORIGINAL ROLEX GREEN LEATHER BOUTIQUE DEALERS WATCHMAKERS SWIVEL STOOLs

By Rolex

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this super rare and

Category

20th Century European Art Deco Stools

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6565 METAL

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178
Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178

Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178

$13,899

H 1.03 in W 0.4 in D 1.03 in Dm 1.03 in L 1.03 in

Rare Vintage Rolex President Datejust 26 Champagne Stick Dial Gold Watch 69178

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

original box and papers. Comes with a gift box. General Information Brand: Rolex Model: Rolex President

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978
Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

Rolex Steel Oysterdate with Rare Factory Original Bronze Dial From 1978

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oysterdate / Reference 6694 METAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case
Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case

Rare Circa 1920’s Woman’s Rolex Watch Box Presentation Case

By Rolex

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This vintage 1920’s intricate designed pressboard watch box is in excellent condition and is made with meticulous craftsmanship. Beautifully embossed top, reminiscent of tooled leath...

Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Decorative Boxes

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Stainless Steel Datejust With Rare Blue Vignette Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957
Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

Rolex Stainless Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel 1957

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 6565 METAL

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modernist Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Stainless Steel with Original Rare Charcoal Dial, circa 1960's
Rolex Stainless Steel with Original Rare Charcoal Dial, circa 1960's

Rolex Stainless Steel with Original Rare Charcoal Dial, circa 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Datejust / Reference 1601 METAL / MATERIAL

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Steel, Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1970's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1970's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rare Vintage Rolex Datejust 31mm 6827 14K Gold Champagne Dial Ladies Watch
Rare Vintage Rolex Datejust 31mm 6827 14K Gold Champagne Dial Ladies Watch

Rare Vintage Rolex Datejust 31mm 6827 14K Gold Champagne Dial Ladies Watch

$15,499

H 1.23 in W 1.23 in D 1.23 in Dm 0.4 in L 1.23 in

Rare Vintage Rolex Datejust 31mm 6827 14K Gold Champagne Dial Ladies Watch

By Rolex

Located in New York, NY

Pre-owned in good condition. Super rare model. Free polishing upon request. The watch is fully

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 1970's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 1970's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Signa Charcoal Dial circa 1970's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1002 METAL

Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial 16523
Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial 16523

Rolex Zenith Movement Daytona Rare Champagne Mark I Floating Dial 16523

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A Rare Stainless Steel and 18k Yellow Gold Oyster Perpetual Zenith Movement Cosmograph Daytona

Category

20th Century Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel

Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134
Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134

Rare 1950s Rolex Rose Gold Chronometer Champagne Dial Precision Vintage 4134

By Rolex

Located in Mayfair, London, London

A 37mm 18k Rose Gold Vintage Precision Gents Wristwatch, a rare original chronometer champagne dial

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Wrist Watches

Materials

Rose Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's
Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's

Rolex Steel Datejust with Rare Original Charcoal Dial from, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 1601

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual with Rare Engine Turned Bezel circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual / Reference 1007 METAL

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust With Rare Original Patinated Black Dial 1958

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Datejust / Reference 6605

Category

Vintage 1950s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

White Gold, Stainless Steel

RARE ORIGINAL HAND MADE LEATHER UPHOLSTERED ROLEX AD BOUTiQUE DEALERS GUEST DESK
RARE ORIGINAL HAND MADE LEATHER UPHOLSTERED ROLEX AD BOUTiQUE DEALERS GUEST DESK

RARE ORIGINAL HAND MADE LEATHER UPHOLSTERED ROLEX AD BOUTiQUE DEALERS GUEST DESK

By Rolex

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

opportunity to purchase a never before sold on the open market, original Rolex Bond Street London dealers

Category

20th Century European Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938

Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

rare model by the iconic house of Rolex is called the Viceroy and is a classic Tonneau Shape. The

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938
Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938

Rolex 14Kt Solid Rose Gold Rare Oyster Viceroy Art Deco Watch circa 1938

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

rare model by the iconic house of Rolex is called the Viceroy and is a classic Tonneau Shape. The

Category

Vintage 1930s Swiss Art Deco Wrist Watches

Materials

14k Gold, Rose Gold

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427
Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Black Dial, Ref. # 6427

By Rolex

Located in Laguna Beach, CA

Rolex Oyster Precision with Rare 3-6-9 Ref. # 6427 Similar to the Rolex Ref. #1016 Manual

Category

Vintage 1960s European Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B
Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B

Rolex Ref 5030 Datejust 18k Gold Mens 1940s 36mm Rare Vintage Automatic RA700B

By Rolex

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

aftermarket genuine alligator strap and buckle. A rare, luxurious classic, 18k gold Rolex ref 5030 big

Category

Vintage 1940s Swiss Retro Wrist Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's
Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

Rolex Steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust with Rare Black Dial circa, 1960's

By Rolex

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Rolex Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Oyster Perpetual Date / Reference 1500

Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modern Wrist Watches

Materials

Stainless Steel

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Rare Rolex For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the rare rolex you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Stainless Steel — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 396 vintage or 6 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect rare rolex among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. A rare rolex can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 37, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes baguette cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for women if you’re seeking a rare rolex, as most of the options available are for men and unisex.

How Much is a Rare Rolex?

The price for a rare rolex starts at $1,050 and tops out at $280,297 with these watches, on average, selling for $9,775.

Rolex for sale on 1stDibs

While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.

Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.

But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.

But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.

Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.

The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.

Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Wrist-watches for You

Antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches have captured the hearts and minds of all manner of watch collectors as well as the watchmakers themselves — it's time you found your own.

Certain vintage watches for men and iconic watch designs for women are sought after not only because of their graceful proportions or innovative materials but also because of the illustrious histories of the houses that created them, histories that they stylishly embody.

Bulgari’s legendary Serpenti watch was on everyone’s list after the collection’s bold bracelet, which technically debuted after the timepiece, graced the wrist of actress Elizabeth Taylor. If anything, elaborately crafted timepieces — the unmistakably boxy silhouette of Cartier Tank watches, the elegant and minimal Calatrava designed by legendary Swiss house Patek Philippe — are even more effective than the shape we associate with traditional wristwatches.

Form watches — the all-encompassing moniker bestowed upon non-round watches — are making headlines and completing contemporary fashionable ensembles the world over. At the same time, both casual fans and careful collectors are drawn to the unbeatable charm of vintage styles, such as the icons designed by Omega that even James Bond can’t resist.

In the early days of watchmaking, watches were fragile enough that they necessitated protection from the elements. Now, wristwatches made of gold and steel can withstand the harshest climates — even 100 meters underwater, in the case of Rolex’s Submariner. Designer Gérald Genta, whose range of clients included Rolex, created for Audemars Piguet the first luxury sports timepiece to be made from stainless steel. First introduced in 1972, the Royal Oak was a perfect choice for blending the form and function that are now synonymous with sports watches.

Are you shopping for a wristwatch? It’s good to keep your needs as well as your specific personal style in mind: A smaller, subtle timepiece is a good fit for small wrists. When will you be wearing your new accessory? There’s a versatile model out there for everyday wear, while a rugged, feature-heavy watch is a safe bet if you’re prone to embarking on all-weather activities in the great outdoors.

Find antique, vintage and luxury wristwatches for sale on 1stDibs.